Five cosy holidays to get you excited for winter

Last updated on July 8, 2024

Some of the best trips we’ve ever done have been in winter – and not to sunny climes, but to full-on wintry landscapes where you can embrace the coldest season. One of my favourite things is to get cosy and there’s no better time for it. If snowy scenes and cuddling up with a hot toddy by candlelight sound good to you, here’s a round-up of some of my favourite winter holiday destinations.

Lapland

For a true winter holiday, complete with guaranteed snow, I think there’s no better place than Finnish Lapland. You can ride a sleigh pulled by huskies, hang out with reindeer, try your hand at snowmobiling or even meet Santa. And if you’re lucky, you’ll see the Northern Lights. It’s one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever done. And I’d highly recommend staying in one of these igloos if you get the chance.

Read my full four-day Lapland itinerary

Iceland

Iceland is a county that abounds in awesome nature and stunning sights. From steaming hot pools to glacier-laden lagoons and caves made of ice, it sometimes feels like another planet. Like Lapland, it’s a place where you can also see the Northern Lights – and even if you don’t, everything else more than makes up for it.

Read my five-day Iceland itinerary.

Japan

Japan is an exciting place to visit at any time of year, and we loved our winter visit. There is nothing like slipping into a hot onsen on a cold day. We went in December and didn’t see any snow, but I think places like Kyoto and Koya-San would look even more magical with it.

Read my 10-day Japan itinerary.

Dublin

Ireland isn’t known for its good weather and as such is a country that really knows how to get cosy, especially in a traditional pub with a pint of Guinness and some live music. We spent New Year in Dublin once, where we got to  experience the famous Irish craic. For a friendly, music-filled trip, you definitely can’t go wrong with a trip to Dublin.

Read my 48-hour guide to Dublin

Copenhagen

Home of all things hygge, I’d say Denmark is even better at cosiness than Ireland. We went there for a long weekend in search of all things hygge and the city didn’t disappoint. From homely cafes to candlelit bars and crisp air, it’s the perfect place to while away some winter days.

Read my list of the most hygge things to do in Copenhagen.